Thokozile Mnguni
The MK Party has suspended its Chief Whip, Mmabatho Mokoena-Zondi, following allegations of fraud and corruption linked to payments involving party researchers.
The decision was announced after a meeting between party president Jacob Zuma and national officials yesterday.
Mokoena-Zondi recently appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on fraud-related charges and was released on R30 000 bail following her arrest by the Hawks.
The suspension relates to allegations that she is facing charges involving money obtained from party researchers recruited to work for the organisation.
According to the charges, between August and December 2024, she allegedly recruited four individuals as party researchers and later demanded payments from them under false pretences.
It is further alleged that the payments were justified because they were needed to cover legal costs associated with the party president.
The researchers were reportedly instructed to hand over between 50 per cent and 60 per cent of their monthly salaries.
The total amount allegedly obtained is approximately R233 317.99.
The State further alleges that the payments were secured through misrepresentation.
The MK Party said Mokoena-Zondi has been instructed to hand over all party documents, records, assets and any other party-related materials in her possession with immediate effect.
The party also announced that Cde Philasande Mkhize has been appointed as Chief Whip with immediate effect.
In the same statement, the party clarified that Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla holds no official position within the organisation and is only an ordinary member with no authority to act on behalf of the party.